Did you know that most commercially produced soaps ARE NOT actually soap? According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), most of the cleansers on the market are actually classified as synthetic detergent products (see article). That’s a bit unnerving isn’t it? Detergent on the skin? I think NOT! This is where goat’s milk comes in to save the day (and the skin)!
Goat’s milk is a gentle substance that has been used for centuries internally and externally to help humans out with some of their most challenging skin, hair and dietary needs. Have you ever tried goat’s milk? My brother used to have to drink it because cow’s milk was too harsh on his stomach. So let’s go over a few reasons why you should be using goat’s milk soap in your self care routine:
1. Be gentle, with your dirty self…
When you’re thinking about commerically produced soaps, I’m sure we all have a story or two about ourselves or someone we know using a strong soap that caused them to have some type of reaction. Many commercial soaps have harsh additives called “surfactants” that remove the natural oils from your skin and can leave your poor skin feeling dry to the touch and tight. We’re trying to stay moisturized out here, so why do we want to introduce something that does the opposite? Goat’s milk soap is traditionally made via saponication and it requires saturated and unsaturated fats to produce a quality product. To take it a little further, goat’s milk is high in caprylic acid, which is great for getting the dirt out while keeping the natural fatty acids in skin (see article).
2. Don’t eat it, but it’s nutrient rich…
The skin membrane is made up of fatty acids and cholesterol, and goat’s milk is loaded with both of those! Go figure… When your skin is irritated, most often times it is because of a lack of fatty acids (see article). Also, goat’s milk just so happens to be heavy on the vitamin A, which has been shown to have anti-aging properties. But wait… There’s more. Goat’s milk is rich in selenium which is a mineral that supports a healthy skin membrane. Though research in this area is scarce, nothing beats ashy energy like a try!
3. Speaking of being ashy…
Did you know being ashy is an actual medical condition? Me either… It’s called xerosis cutis, and it literally means “abnormally dry skin.” Even though I’m sure we all knew ashy wasn’t just a state of mind or a conversational preface, I’m not sure we were aware it was an actual medical condition. Usually the lipids in your skin help you retain moisture, but some of us, with conditions like psoriasis and eczema, have a low level of lipids in our skin and have a tougher time staying moisturized. With the help of goat’s milk having such high levels of cholesterol and fatty acids, these lipids can possibly see restoration and improvement in water retention. You have to remember, surfactants STRIP these vital fats from your skin, so why are you still using synthetic detergents?
4. Dead skin cells are not cute…
You exfoliate right? (Ok, even if you don’t, just say you do and start today!) Awesome! Goat’s milk just so happens to be rich in lactic acid, which is an alpha-hydroxy acid commonly used to treat different skin conditions like scars, age spots, and hyperpigmentation. Lactic acid has been shown to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, revealing that beautifully moisturized complexion below. It’s one of the most gentle, natural acids, which makes it a great option for those of us with skin on the more sensitive side.
5. Aren’t you tired of zits too?
I know I am… We are out here living our BEST lives and BOOM… Nature will plop a pimple right in the middle of your forehead or chin to humble you in a millisecond. So again we go back to lactic acid… Remember we just talked about dead skin removal? Many times, our zits are just pockets of grime trapped beneath the layers of deceased skin cells that refuse to leave us and let us be great. Though it’s not a guarantee, exfoliation is a great addition to your acne prevention routine.
Goat’s milk soap is a very gentle soap with many potential benefits. It can help with eczema, dry skin, acne, and more! If you’re looking for a soap that won’t dry you out, but WILL help you remain ageless and beautiful, give it a shot!
Who The Kel? 